By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 20: Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd has affirmed its commitment to transparency and integrity, welcoming relevant authorities to audit its procurement processes following allegations by an assemblywoman questioning the company’s governance.
Sarawak Metro firmly denied these allegations, emphasising its adherence to stringent procurement procedures and best practices.
Chief executive officer Ts Mazli Mustaffa stressed that these concerns were already addressed in detail by Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin during his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting on Monday.
The allegations surfaced after Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen accused Lee of failing to adequately respond to concerns raised by Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong regarding Sarawak Metro’s contract award process during the Nov 18 sitting.
“Throughout the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project, we have consistently upheld the highest levels of integrity, strictly adhering to our procurement processes and procedures.
“We also continuously enhance our governance standards, which makes these allegations especially disappointing as they undermine our ongoing efforts to foster a culture of integrity,” he said.
Highlighting the broader repercussions of the accusations, Mazli stated that such allegations tarnished Sarawak Metro’s image both locally and internationally.
“For the past five years, we have worked diligently to build a reputation for professionalism and innovation. Our efforts are not just about advancing Sarawak Metro’s business but also contributing to the public transport sector and the socio-economic development of Sarawak,” he added.
As part of its commitment to ethical governance, Sarawak Metro is pursuing the Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS) ISO 37001:2016 certification.
Mazli noted that the company recently completed the Stage 2 Certification Audit for ABMS, underscoring its zero-tolerance policy toward corruption.
He also explained that Sarawak Metro’s tender processes prioritise fairness, competitiveness, and due diligence.
“Our procurement process emphasises open tenders, including international tenders, to ensure we have diverse options. This approach allows us not only to evaluate competitive pricing but also to consider companies that can provide additional value through their products and services,” he said.
While the company adheres to established procurement protocols, Mazli acknowledged there is always room for improvement.
“We welcome audits from relevant authorities as part of our commitment to strengthening governance. Such efforts align with Sarawak Metro’s goal of upholding the highest ethical standards and continually enhancing our processes,” he concluded. — DayakDaily
